Tom's Blog
The holiday season is upon us once again and that typically means people are busier and traveling more. In fact, holidays are amongst the busiest travel times of the year because of either visits with friends and family or indulging in that much anticipated vacation. With an increase in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is important to be aware of staying safe for the holidays.
Some Key Safety Measures to Follow During the Holiday Season
Map your travel route and plan appropriately- Before you hit the road, make sure you have the directions available and anticipate the possibility of heavy traffic. Remember, many people are traveling during the holidays and that equates to a higher risk of being involved in an auto accident so you may strategically plan to travel during lower times of traffic congestion.
Keep essential documentation in the auto- Any time you are traveling in your personal auto, you should always carry your proof of insurance, N.C. drivers license, the phone number of roadside assistance, as well as a current inspection card. This way if an accident occurs or the police stop you, you will be prepared.
Perform routine maintenance on your personal car- There is nothing worse than having a break down on the side of the road when you are trying to get to your travel destination. Performing routine upkeep on your auto is vital to your safety when traveling on the highways/roadways so that means having routine oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks, amongst other pertinent things.
Keep your cell phone completely charged- When traveling, make sure your cell phone is adequately charged and the necessary phone chargers in tow. This way if you are involved in an auto accident, you will have access to contacting the police, your N.C. independent insurance agent, along with roadside assistance, if necessary.
Anticipate the unexpected- Before the traveling begins, sit down and take note of unexpected situations that MAY happen so that if they do, you will be prepared to handle them. Consider stocking your auto with a first aid kit, waters, non-perishable food, blankets, flashlights, and a car battery jumper. That way if you get stranded in a remote area, you will be prepared until help arrives.
Discuss security/safety matters with your children- Before leaving on that family vacation trip or a visit to the grandparents’, make sure you sit down with the entire family and review safety Do’s and Don’ts such as:
- Don’t get separated
- Don’t talk to strangers
- Don’t go alone to the bathrooms
- Do have a meet up spot should you get separated
- Do hide all personal valuables from plain sight
- Do keep the cars locked
Being prepared BEFORE the trip can make your travel adventure less stressful so your only strategy is to enjoy the holidays and stay safe! Happy holidays to you and your family!
